Improper nutrition, sedentary lifestyle and lack of nutrients provoke the development of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system. One of the most common lesions is cervical osteochondrosis. This is due to their excessive mobility and increased stress on the department. The first signs of a disorder require consultation with a specialist and the appointment of proper treatment. It includes medication, physiotherapy and healing exercises.
Brief information about the disease
Osteochondrosis of the cervix develops against the background of severe wear of cartilage and bone. With age, the discs between the vertebrae lose their elasticity and become more susceptible to damage. Therefore, the disease is diagnosed in an average of 90% of retirees. A chronic condition develops after a temporary remission, which is facilitated, as a rule, by a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, bad habits and the specifics of professional activity.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops gradually, so it is conditionally divided into several stages. In the initial stage, the elasticity of the disks decreases significantly, microcracks appear in them. The discomfort is almost imperceptible and worries for a short period of time, so patients rarely go to the doctor on time, attributing the symptoms of fatigue.
Gradually, with progress, sharp pains appear, especially with prolonged exposure to one position, dizziness, numbness in the shoulders or face, panic attacks and coordination problems. The patient finds it more difficult to keep his head in one position, there are problems with vision and hearing. Ignoring such symptoms is dangerous, as it often leads to serious complications. The symptoms of the disease are the same in men and women.
Scheme for the treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis begins with a diagnosis. It allows not only to identify the pathological process, but also the extent of its spread, the severity of the course, the presence of concomitant diseases. The chosen tactic to deal with the problem consists of the following points:
- Prescribing drugs (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, B vitamins). All these drugs are aimed at eliminating puffiness, improving blood circulation, repairing damaged disc tissue, protecting nerve endings.
- Physiotherapy. Procedures are prescribed only after stopping the acute stage. The main methods are electrophoresis and magnetic therapy. They will help to restore the flexibility of the neck and strengthen the effect.
- Manual therapy. It is used to reduce the onset of pain in the acute period and restore the correct position of the spine. The procedure is performed by a specialist in the field of surgery who has a sufficient level of qualification to engage in such activities. It is worth checking this out before the session.
- Exercise therapy. Special therapeutic exercises or exercises designed specifically for the patient help to cope with the pathological process. Also, complexes developed by doctors have proven themselves well in this area.
With the permission of the doctor, folk remedies can be included in the scheme, which eliminates the unpleasant symptoms. However, self-replacement of selected options or dose escalation may adversely affect treatment as a whole, so care should be taken.
Healing activities
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a long process that includes various methods to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms and restore the damaged cartilage tissue. The main goals of the therapeutic course are:
- Relief of unpleasant symptoms (headache, tingling, inflammation, paralysis) during the exacerbation of the pathological process.
- Normalization of blood circulation in the affected area.
- Restoration of cell and tissue nutrition to preserve their structure and function.
- Eliminate the cause of the development of the degenerative process.
- Prevention of possible complications.
Many patients wonder if osteochondrosis can be cured?Timely therapy at the stage of exacerbation allows not only to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but also to slow down the degenerative process, to achieve stable remission. The damage in stages 2-3 is now irreversible and the patient will have to live with the diagnosis for life. It is periodically examined by the attending physician to determine the dynamics.
Drug therapy
It is better to start treatment of cervical chondrosis by taking painkillers that help to cope with the unpleasant symptoms. This is effective until stage 2 of the development of the pathological process, when the fibrous ring is not yet destroyed. The main goal is to prevent damage to cartilage tissue and to achieve stable remission. Different groups of drugs are used for this.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Treatment of chondrosis of the neck is not complete without the use of NSAIDs, as this group of drugs allows you to stop the unpleasant symptoms during the exacerbation of the disease. NSAIDs help eliminate swelling and inflammation, which increases the effectiveness of painkillers.
They are used in the form of tablets, ointments or injections. The form of injections is one of the most effective, but is most often used in a hospital setting when the patient is in a serious condition.
The course of treatment with drugs from this group is not more than 14 days. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract may then occur. If the patient has problems with the gastrointestinal tract, the drugs are prescribed simultaneously with the prescribed means of protection of the mucous membrane of the organ.
Muscle relaxants
Any treatment regimen for cervical osteochondrosis always includes medication to relieve muscle spasm. This is a natural response to inflammation. They are prescribed at the beginning of treatment in the form of injections, after which it is recommended to replace them with pills.
The course of treatment with muscle relaxants should not be more than 1-2 weeks, as they can easily become addictive. After reducing the onset of pain and eliminating the spasm, they are canceled.
Hormonal drugs
They are prescribed to patients to get rid of pain if the pathological process has developed to 2-3 degrees. Hormonal agents have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and help to quickly eliminate the unpleasant symptom. It is unacceptable to use drugs from this group during pregnancy or a high probability of developing an allergic reaction.
Steroids are prescribed with caution and in combination with others, as the likelihood of side effects is high. Their independent appointment is unacceptable.
Chondroprotectors
It is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region, but there are a number of drugs aimed at regenerating damaged tissue. They are called chondroprotectors. They are used in the form of ointments, injections and tablets. The last form is the most convenient, allows you not to miss a meeting even on the road.
On average, the course of treatment with chondroprotectors lasts 3-6 months. Ointments are mainly used for prevention, as they are the least effective. When choosing injections, it is enough to make 10-12 injections to start the regeneration process.
Physiotherapy
Various physiotherapeutic methods are used to combat the disease only in remission. They are prescribed to strengthen the muscular corset, improve blood circulation, normalize well-being and relieve pain. The following procedures apply:
- Electrophoresis.
- Magnetic therapy.
- Acupuncture.
- Treatment with leeches.
- Massage.
Osteochondrosis cannot be cured with some physiotherapy procedures. Many techniques have a number of contraindications, such as pregnancy and lactation, exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Physiotherapy
Various exercise complexes are useful for restoring the natural position of the spine. At home you can study in special programs. Physical therapy is carried out in compliance with a number of rules. All movements are performed smoothly, without sudden movements, at the same time of day. Usually the complex includes the following approaches:
- The head is tilted 2 times on each side.
- Lower your arms over your body, raise your shoulders, hold for 10 seconds. Return from starting position.
- Hold on the horizontal bar for 10 seconds. Repeat several times a day.
- Lie on a hard surface, hang your head from the edge down, gradually lift it, while tensing the muscles only of the cervical spine.
Osteochondrosis of the neck and chest requires lifestyle adjustments. Exercise should be a part of life to maintain the health of the affected area and the spine as a whole.
Surgery
Conservative therapy does not always give the expected result, the doctor prescribes surgery. It is performed in the neck or chest area only if there is strong compression of the spinal nerve, with deformity of the vertebrae or acute compression of the spinal cord. The operation is performed from the front of the neck or from the back, depending on many factors. The main task of the surgeon is to remove the instability and compression. The following techniques are used for this purpose:
- Spinal fusion. It involves connecting the vertebrae to limit their mobility. It is widely used to treat osteochondrosis. Reduces the flexibility of the neck, but permanently solves the problem of pain. During the operation, a bone graft is used, which is fixed with metal fasteners, rods and plates. They increase the rate of fusion and stabilization of the cervical spine. The implant is taken by the donor or by the patient himself, usually from the thigh area. For this, an additional incision is made during the operation.
- Discectomy. In the process, the problematic intervertebral disc is removed, the bone segments are fixed to each other. Special screws are used for this. In this way the unpleasant symptoms are eliminated and the compression of the spinal cord is eliminated.
- Correctomy. This involves removing not only the affected intervertebral disc, but also the entire bone element. The spine is stabilized, as in the previous case, with the help of special screws and fasteners.
- Laminectomy. The bone arch, spurs and ligaments are removed, all of which puts pressure on the spinal cord. This allows you to create the right space that ensures the normal functioning of the body. But the procedure destabilizes the ridge, so the use of bindings is necessary.
The possible risks and consequences of the operation are discussed with each patient individually. The main ones are difficulty swallowing at the beginning, changes in the voice, difficulty breathing, infection or a reaction to anesthesia.
Advice to the patient during exacerbations
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis lasts an average of 3-5 days, but it all depends on the age of the patient, the extent of the lesion, compliance with the recommendations given by the doctor. It is strictly forbidden to lubricate the damaged area with ointments or massage, this will only worsen the situation. To alleviate the condition, the following measures should be taken:
- Take a comfortable position. During the acute phase, the cervical vertebrae need complete rest. Therefore, when pain occurs, you should lie on a flat surface, try to relax completely. This position will temporarily get rid of the pain, will alleviate the condition as a whole.
- Take painkillers and call a doctor for a consultation. Do not expect the disease to go away on its own, and start treatment as soon as possible. Medications alone are not enough to slow down the degenerative process; an integrated approach is needed, which includes physiotherapy procedures and special exercises.
- Buy an orthopedic collar (Shantsa). This device is available in most specialty stores. It prevents the movement of the cervical vertebrae and thus minimizes the likelihood of deterioration. Depending on the density of the material, the collar can be hard or soft, but in any case it securely fixes the neck in one position.
The choice of drugs is made by a doctor, taking into account individual characteristics and the presence of contraindications. Standard painkillers may not work if the cartilage is severely damaged. In this case, only epidural blocks will help. Therefore, it is better not to take into account the advice of relatives and neighbors.
Patient recommendations
Osteochondrosis has been treated for a long time using various methods to relieve the discomfort. Therefore, many patients doubt the effectiveness of the chosen regimen. Patient examinations will help you understand the treatment problem.
- "I have been treating osteochondrosis in the neck for more than 6 years and I have never tried it. Pills were prescribed at first, but they only relieved the pain. After that he visited the office of exercise therapy and physiotherapist for a long time, but the result did not appear for long. A cumulative effect is suggested everywhere, but the disease itself does not disappear. As long as there are no negative dynamics, the doctor prescribes conservative treatment, but it is becoming difficult to work in the same rhythm. "
- "I did not go to the doctor for a long time with neck pain, as a result of which the intervertebral disc collapsed. The tablets do not give noticeable relief, but while taking them I use rubbing and compresses. They best help with potatoes and honey. But as the disease progresses, I think about surgery, but this is an extreme case. "
- "I was diagnosed with osteochondrosis a few years ago, I stupidly lost a lot of time for treatment with folk remedies, I was afraid of pills and that's why I didn't take them. As a result, the disease progresses rapidly, and excess weight and constant strain on the neck are also affected. Now painkillers help a little, severe pain constantly worries, there is tingling in the skin. The doctor has not yet suggested surgery, but I think he will be around the corner if this treatment regimen does not work. "
The treatment of osteochondrosis includes an integrated approach, which includes various modern techniques and drugs, massage, prescriptions for alternative medicine. Only this approach can slow down degenerative changes in bone and connective tissue, achieve stable remission and maintain quality of life, while minimizing the risk of serious complications.